This In Focus project considers how Edward Onslow Ford’s bronze statuettes The Singer and Applause ‘function as a pair and explores the context of their making and reception in late Victorian Britain. It highlights the sensitivities surrounding the representation of the female adolescent body at a time when the age of consent had only recently been raised to sixteen. It also examines the contemporary enthusiasm for ancient Egypt and provides the first translations of some of the hieroglyphs found on the decorative bases of the two works.’ (see the article's introduction) )

Read an interview with Professor Edwards about the project by Head of Collection Research and In Focus series editor Dr Jennifer Mundy.